Over 60 people were on hand to help Kelly and Ramona Kidder celebrate the 70th anniversary of Dickerson Music Company on December 4th. The store at 201 N. Superior is one of the oldest of Albion’s downtown businesses. They carry guitars, drums, keyboards, mandolins, ukuleles, dulcimers, amplifiers, and band instruments both new and used.
Kelly has worked at Dickerson Music Company for over 35 years. In 2015, He and his wife Ramona became the owners carrying on the tradition of having a music store in Albion, MI.
Kelly is a patient teacher who gives lessons in guitar, bass, and ukulele for all ages, from first graders to seniors. He also performs as a bassist and singer in local bands Swamp Gas and Alibi. He sets up and runs sound, and/or lights in and around Jackson and Albion and has been one of the mainstays of Blues at the Bohm since it began.
“Think Albion, Think Music” has been a theme for promoting Albion as a special town for music. With Walk the Beat, monthly Blues at the Bohm, frequent bands playing at Albion Malleable, and other venues, and the numerous concerts hosted by Albion College’s excellent Music Department, Albion is a remarkable town for music lovers.
Kelly and Ramona can be proud of the support they have provided local musicians. As part of supporting the local music scene, Dickerson host’s a free Blues Workshop from 1pm to 3pm on the Saturday before Blues at the Bohm, where musicians can tune their talents before a possible appearance at the Bohm jam sessions which follow the monthly concerts.
Dickerson Music also continues to expand its full-service repair shop. Kelly, a trained luthier, and technician Stacy provide repairs for both stringed and band instruments, from simple solder work to full woodwind repads. The store posts clear pricing for common services and invites customers to bring in instruments that may be sitting unused at home—Dickerson buys used instruments and restores them for new student musicians.
Accessories remain a major part of the shop’s business, with a wide selection of straps, capos, cases, reeds, tuners, cleaning kits, drumsticks, and more. A new shipment of Perri’s and Franklin straps arrived this season, offering everything from padded performance straps to bold designs for players looking to make a statement. “Straps are an extension of your instrument,” Kelly often reminds customers.
Dickerson Music also boasts one of the region’s largest sheet-music collections, with material for piano, guitar, voice, and band instruments. From classical to rock to folk favorites and long-lost standards, the store’s sheet-music room draws musicians from across mid-Michigan. Teachers can register for special discounts, and the shop maintains a list of area instructors to help students connect with local lessons.
With the holiday season underway, the Kidders have stocked the store with gift ideas for every budget—from tuners, strings, straps, and mini-pedals to ukuleles, microphones, small amps, and gift certificates. Kelly even offers his “Top 10 Stocking Stuffers” list for last-minute shoppers.
Seventy years after its founding, Dickerson Music Company remains a cornerstone of Albion’s music scene. With lessons, repairs, rentals, accessories, instruments, workshops, and an unwavering commitment to local musicians, Kelly and Ramona Kidder continue to ensure that music thrives in Albion for generations to come.
Albion Life Today 